Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — It was like a ship on the ocean. Steady as she goes.
The Coal Grove Lady Hornets turned in a steady performance as they beat the Portsmouth Lady Trojans 48-25 in an Ohio Valley Conference game on Thursday.
“We came out on a nice run and then we started getting impatient on our shooting,” said Lady Hornets’ coach Rick Roach.
“McKnight was able to know down some open 3s. When they adjusted, Crum and Dolen were able to take over and score. I was happy with our defense the majority of the game, but we still need to work on a few things”
Coal Grove (13-2) took over first place in the OVC at 7-1 with Fairland losing to Ironton. Coal Grove plays Minford on Saturday at the Tri-State Hoops at Fairland and then hosts Fairland on Monday in a key league game.
“We have two tough games coming up. My girls are ready to show what they are made of,” said Roach.
Baylee McKnight hit five 3-pointers and scored 16 points to lead the Lady Hornets. Destiny Dolen scored 12 and Lauren Crum added seven.
Portsmouth (6-9, 3-6) was led by Jasmine Eley with 15 points with Hannah Hughes adding five.
Crum had five points and McKnight a trey in the first quarter and it was 12-4. Eley had all of Portsmouth’s points.
Addi Dillow and McKnight had 3-pointers in the second quarter as the lead went to 24-14 at the half.
McKnight knocked down two more 3-pointers and scored seven points in the third quarter and it was not 37-22.
The defense held Portsmouth to three points in the fourth quarter as Dolen scored four points.
“Hicks and Murphy are freshmen and are expected to play a lot of varsity minutes. They are doing an outstanding job against girls three and four years older,” said Roach.
Coal Grove 12 12 13 11 = 48
Portsmouth 4 10 8 3 = 25
COAL GROVE (12-2, 7-1): Addi Dillow 1 1 0-2 5, Baylee McKnight 0 5 1-2 16, Caitlyn Dillon 0 0 0-0 0, Rylee Harmon 0 0 0-0 0, Kaleigh Murphy 2 0 0-0 4, Abbey Hicks 1 0 0-0 2, Destiny Dolen 4 0 4-4 12, Lauren Crum 3 0 1-2 7, Jaiden Griffith 0 0 2-4 2. Totals: 17-58 8-14 52. 3-pt goals: 6. Fouls: 9. Fouled out: None.
PORTSMOUTH (6-9, 3-6): Jasmine Eley 6 1 0-2 15, Nia Trinidad 0 1 0-0 3, Hannah Hughes 1 1 0-2 5, Haiden Rickett 0 0-0 2, Layla Kegg 0 0 0-0 0, Ashanti Richardson 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 11-46 0-4 25. 3-pt goals: 3. Fouls: 8. Fouled out: None.